Learn how to install an AWS Genesis and AWS Difference Video system.
Chuck Rienzi of Advanced Waterfall Systems answers the most common question he receives: what separates a Genesis waterfall kit from an AWS custom system. Genesis kits are small, lightweight natural stone water features that install quickly without specialty skills, concrete, or rebar, and they typically top out around 18 inches high. AWS custom systems are fully engineered and reinforced with concrete and rebar, integrated with the pool shell, and built for large-scale dramatic installations including grottos and slides. Both products use the same real natural stone and craftsmanship — the choice depends entirely on project scope and budget.
What You'll Learn
- Genesis kits require no concrete, rebar, or specialty tools — every piece weighs under 150 pounds
- Some Genesis kits go from pallet to running waterfall in under an hour
- Genesis kits are limited in size, typically topping out around 18 inches high
- AWS custom systems are custom designed, engineered, and reinforced with concrete and rebar for each specific project
- AWS systems support any scale from mid-sized waterfalls to full grottos and slides with no real limit on size or shape
- Both product lines use the same real natural stone — Genesis suits budget-friendly quick upgrades; AWS suits dramatic custom showpieces
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a Genesis waterfall kit and an AWS custom system?
Genesis waterfall kits are small, budget-friendly natural stone water features that install in hours without specialty skills, concrete, or rebar. AWS custom systems are fully engineered and structurally reinforced for each project, fully integrated with the pool shell, and designed for large-scale installations including grottos and slides. Both use the same real natural stone.
How long does it take to install a Genesis waterfall kit?
Some Genesis waterfall kits go from pallet to a running waterfall in under an hour. Most installs complete in a couple of hours with a two-person crew and no specialty equipment.
Do AWS systems and Genesis kits both use real stone?
Yes. Both Genesis kits and AWS custom systems use real natural stone with the same craftsmanship. The difference is scope, scale, and engineering — not material quality.
Can I install a Genesis waterfall kit without construction experience?
Yes. Genesis kits are designed to install without specialty skills, tools, or equipment. Every piece weighs under 150 pounds and no concrete, rebar, or structural subbase is required.
What size limitations do Genesis waterfall kits have compared to AWS systems?
Genesis kits are limited in size and structure, typically topping out around 18 inches high. AWS custom systems have no real limit on size or shape and can scale from mid-sized waterfalls up to full grottos and slides.
Video transcript
Hello. My name is Chuck Rienzi with Advanced Waterfall Systems. One question we get all the time is, what is the difference between a Genesis waterfall kit and an AWS custom system? Genesis waterfall kits are designed to be simple. They're small natural stone waterfall kits that install quickly without any specialty skills, tools, or equipment.
Every piece weighs under a 150 pounds. There's no concrete, no rebar, no structural sub base, and no complicated integration with the pool shop. That's why some of our Genesis waterfall kits can go from a pallet to a running waterfall in under an hour. Because of that simplicity, Genesis waterfall kits are budget friendly. What you're getting is a great looking real stone water feature that's easy to install at an unbeatable price point.
But there are limitations. Genesis waterfall kits are limited in size and structure, typically topping out at around 18 inches high. AWS custom systems are the opposite end of the spectrum. With AWS, the system is custom designed, engineered, and built specifically to your project. These systems are structurally reinforced with concrete and rebar, fully integrated with the pool shell, and engineered for much larger rocks and a more dramatic scale.
There is no real limit on size or shape from mid sized waterfalls to full grottos and slides. Genesis waterfall kits are perfect for speed, simplicity, and budget friendly upgrades. AWS systems are for dramatic custom showpieces. Same stone, same craftsmanship, just two different tools for two different jobs. Ready to try one?
Our Genesis waterfall kits install in a couple of hours. You can make several thousand dollars with no headache. Give us a call to discuss your next project.